Beneficial influence of Hf and Zr additions to Nb4at%Ta on the vortex pinning of Nb ₃ Sn with and without an O source

Summary

This experimental materials science study investigated the enhancement of Nb₃Sn superconducting wire performance through alloying with hafnium or zirconium additions to a standard niobium–tantalum precursor. The authors report that hafnium-doped Nb₄Ta₁Hf wire without tin oxide achieved significantly enhanced vortex pinning and critical current density (layer Jc of 3700 A mm⁻² at 16 T, 4.2 K), substantially exceeding the specification for the proposed 100 TeV Future Circular Collider. These findings suggest that modern conductor fabrication processes could achieve the required performance targets without the complications of internal oxidation.

Key measures

Critical current density (Jc) in A mm⁻², irreversibility field (H_Irr), pinning force density (Fp), maximum pinning force (Fp_Max), upper critical field (H_c2)

Outcomes reported

The study evaluated the effects of hafnium and zirconium additions to niobium–tantalum alloys on the superconducting properties of Nb₃Sn wire, specifically measuring critical current density and vortex pinning behaviour at high magnetic fields. Critical current density values and pinning force density enhancements were reported across a range of magnetic field strengths up to 31 Tesla.

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